New Zealand PM John Key Against A Broad View Of Medical Marijuana Despite Domestic Pressure

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has cautioned that it is too early to take a call on the use of medicinal marijuana in the country. The PM said it is not the appropriate time for engaging an inquiry to find out whether there should be easier access to medicinal marijuana.

The question was posed to Mr Key, during his post-cabinet press conference, whether he will support a member's bill or a select committee inquiry on the issue. “Probably not, but that's a personal view,” Mr Key said. “It's a legitimate topic to be looked at ... but at this stage I haven't seen any advice that supports the view that we should be taking a broader view of the use of medicinal marijuana,” the PM added.

Young Patient

The medical marijuana issue assumed greater urgency following the plight of a 19-year-old youngster Alex Renton of Nelson, in a Wellington Hospital. He has been in coma for the last 54 days and his family wants him to be treated with medicinal marijuana. Renton has been in hospital for prolonged seizure and has been treated with more than 20 medications, without any success.

The young patient’s family marked his 19^th birthday at his bedside. He had no known pre-existing conditions, and was healthy barring some flu-like symptoms the week before the seizure started. Following a recommendation by one of Alex's neurologists, his family is now urging to try cannabinoid oil extracted from marijuana, which international research has endorsed for treating seizures. But accessing the oil has become impossible, reports Stuff.Co.NZ.

Demonstrations were also held outside the hospital on Monday demanding a change in law. Under the present law, medicinal marijuana can be used by clinicians only after applying to the Ministry of Health. It is a time-consuming process. It has been reported that the hospital intends to apply or has already done so.

Medical Option

Meanwhile, Capital and Coast District Health Board deputy chief medical officer Dr Grant Pidgeon described Alex Renton’s condition as "refractory status epilepticus", that shows repeated seizures. Dr Pidgeon said the hospital exhausted all standard treatment options and is applying for approval to use a non-standard medicinal cannabinoid treatment. "There is some evidence that this therapy may have a role in some forms of epilepsy, but not the type Alex has," he said.

However, Renton's mother Rose alleged that DHB is playing games by delaying the application. “What I can't believe is, they can put 43 drugs into my son's body without permission yet seeks permission from a minister to use a natural treatment that has proven anti-epileptic and anti-seizure results." Pidgeon said Renton's condition is serious and still all efforts are being made to respect his family's wishes, reports Radio Nz.

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